FINRA Clarifies Proposed Changes to Outside Activities Rule

Posted on May 12th, 2025 at 2:15 PM
FINRA Clarifies Proposed Changes to Outside Activities Rule

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

FINRA released a statement this week addressing misconceptions surrounding its proposed updates to the rules governing outside business activities by associated persons of broker-dealers. According to FINRA’s Weekly Update, Regulatory Notice 25-05 aims to streamline current requirements and ease unnecessary regulatory burdens.

FINRA emphasizes that the proposal introduces no new reporting or approval obligations. Instead, the proposal clarifies that personal investments in non-securities remain excluded from reporting requirements. Additionally, the proposal does not create new responsibilities for broker-dealers concerning unaffiliated investment adviser activities, nor does it impose obligations on broker-dealers for activities conducted within affiliated entities, such as investment advisers, insurance companies, or banks.

FINRA encouraged industry participants to review the full text of Regulatory Notice 25-05 and submit feedback based on the actual content rather than mischaracterizations. The comment period remains open through May 13.

 

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory, and disciplinary matters.

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, finra

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I just received this letter from the CFP Board. Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!

David Y

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

December 22, 2025
FINRA Overhauls Arbitration Rules to Rebalance Arbitrator Selection and Codify Forum Practices

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has approved significant amendments to its Codes of Arbitration Procedure designed to rebalance public arbitrator selection, increase transparency, and formalize several long-standing practices in the arbitration forum.

December 19, 2025
Industry Groups Press Senate at Advance Financial Exploitation Prevention Act

Several industry associations are urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act, legislation that would allow mutual fund companies and their transfer agents to delay redemptions when they reasonably suspect elder financial abuse.

December 18, 2025
UBS Warns of Rising Default Risk in Private Credit

A UBS report signals that credit stress likely will intensify next year as borrowers confront inflation, elevated interest costs, and softening consumer conditions.